Located in the heart of Varaždin, next to the historic Oršić Villa, the new Center will cover more than 1,200 m² of state-of-the-art facilities. With this initiative, FOI is setting new standards in connecting science, entrepreneurship, and industry, becoming the first faculty in the country to systematically invest in pre-incubation – the earliest and most delicate phase in the development of entrepreneurial ideas.
"With this project, FOI reaffirms its commitment to future-oriented education and creating tangible value for society. The new Center will not only be a physical space but also a platform for knowledge transfer, collaboration with industry, and fostering innovative entrepreneurship. We will provide our students and entrepreneurs with access to top infrastructure, experienced professionals, and opportunities for international cooperation. This initiative represents a strong strategic move – not only for FOI and Varaždin but also for boosting the innovation potential of the entire region," emphasized FOI Dean, Prof. Marina Klačmer Čalopa, Ph.D.
The Center will feature Smart Living Labs, educational and presentation areas, mentoring zones, and spaces for research and development. It will be open not only to FOI students but also to citizens, startups, and small and medium-sized enterprises.
"This is not just about infrastructure, but about building an ecosystem that supports the early-stage development of business and technological ideas, maximizes entrepreneurial potential, and raises the knowledge and confidence of Center users to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. The focus is on pre-incubation because successful incubation critically depends on quality pre-incubation, which must be supported. What is unique in this strategic project is the implementation of the Triple Helix cooperation model, effectively linking academia, local government, and the IT sector to promote digital transformation and innovation in smart industry. This model is still rarely applied in Croatia, yet it has proven essential for success in Europe and globally," stressed Project Lead, Prof. Nina Begičević Ređep, Ph.D.
Additionally, the Center will establish the first Croatian Smart Factory, equipped with specialized tools for smart industry, enabling research, development, and application of new technologies in an industrial environment. A key component of the laboratory will be the installation of an industrial robot for automating industrial tasks. There are also plans to include an OMiLAB (Open Models Laboratory) installation to support the development of innovations in conceptual modeling.
"In Croatia, it is crucial to shift the mindset that failure means the end of the road. We must adopt an approach where failure is seen as an opportunity for learning and opening new possibilities. It is important to encourage a culture in which mistakes lead to valuable lessons and stronger, more resilient entrepreneurial ventures," said Prof. Begičević Ređep.
The Center will also host a Think Tank – a team of experts who will provide mentorship, consulting, and education. By integrating FOI’s existing activities – from educational programs and project collaborations to professional internships – a unique, integrated platform for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship is being created. FOI further strengthens its international expertise through a strategic partnership with the Switzerland Innovation Park Biel – Swiss Smart Factory, a leading European innovation center. This collaboration enables knowledge transfer and connections with global leaders in smart industry.
The Regional Center will also have a strong outreach through cooperation with local communities in Novi Marof, Ludbreg, Gornji Kneginec, Vidovec, and Sveti Ilija. In this way, the project connects academia, local government units, and the IT sector, directly contributing to the development of local and regional competitiveness.
"We want to open opportunities and provide free support to all interested potential users of the Center to develop their ideas in a professional environment, with full support from our expert team and access to modern technologies. The Center will be an incubator of knowledge, motivation, and entrepreneurial confidence," added Prof. Nina Begičević Ređep, Ph.D.
With this project, FOI reaffirms its leading position in education for smart industry, as well as in creating an environment that fosters proactivity, innovation, and economic growth. The public procurement process for the construction contractor is now open, marking the beginning of a new, crucial phase of the project.
